Bridgwater Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Bridgwater

Bridgwater, a built-up area with a population of approximately 52,062, experiences an overall crime rate of 160.4 per 1,000 residents per year. This figure is significantly higher than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000. Consequently, Bridgwater holds a safety score of 62 out of 100, which is below the UK average safety score of 78/100, indicating a need for residents to be aware of local safety considerations. Over the past year, the area has seen a stable trend in crime, with a 4.3% increase year-over-year. This introduction provides a snapshot of Bridgwater's crime landscape, which will be further elaborated upon in the following sections detailing specific crime types, trends, and comparisons with nearby areas.

Crime Type Analysis in Bridgwater

The crime profile of Bridgwater is heavily influenced by violence and sexual offences, which stand as the most common crime type with 3,540 incidents, representing 68.0 per 1,000 residents and 42.4% of all crimes. Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent concern, with 1,290 reported crimes (24.8 per 1,000, 15.4% of total), highlighting issues related to public nuisance and disorder. Shoplifting ranks as the third highest crime, with 882 incidents (16.9 per 1,000, 10.6% of total), reflecting challenges in retail security within the area.

Property-related crime in Bridgwater is a significant concern for residents and homeowners, with a rate of 44.3 per 1,000 people per year. This is higher than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. This category includes burglary (149 crimes, 2.9 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (564 crimes, 10.8 per 1,000), other theft (446 crimes, 8.6 per 1,000), vehicle crime (98 crimes, 1.9 per 1,000), robbery (96 crimes, 1.8 per 1,000), and bicycle theft (54 crimes, 1.0 per 1,000). The elevated property crime rate underscores the importance of robust security measures to protect homes and personal belongings in Bridgwater.

Crime Trends in Bridgwater

Bridgwater has experienced a stable crime trend over the last year, showing a 4.3% increase year-over-year. This upward shift indicates a slight rise in overall crime levels compared to the previous 12-month period. Examining the monthly trend data reveals fluctuations throughout the year. The crime rate per 1,000 residents saw a peak of 14.7 in May 2025, following a dip to 11.0 in February 2025. Rates remained consistently high in the latter half of the year, with 14.2 per 1,000 in September 2025. These patterns suggest varying influences on crime, potentially seasonal or event-driven. For residents, this increasing trend highlights the need for continued vigilance and awareness of local safety, reinforcing the importance of effective security strategies.

Understanding Crime Time Patterns in Bridgwater

Crime patterns in Bridgwater show distinct variations throughout the day, offering insights into when certain offences are more likely to occur. The morning period (6am-12pm) sees a notable prevalence of theft, accounting for 49% of crimes, often associated with commercial activity and people commuting. Property crime, specifically burglary, is also present during these hours, making up 7% of incidents. This suggests that properties left unattended during the start of the working day can be vulnerable.

During the afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft remains the dominant crime type at 49%, likely due to increased foot traffic and shopping activities. Burglary also rises slightly to 12%, as more homes may be empty. As the day transitions into the evening (6pm-12am), the crime landscape shifts significantly. Theft reduces to 19%, while 'Other' crimes, which can include public order and anti-social behaviour, become more prominent at 65%. Burglary remains a concern at 10%. This period often correlates with increased social activity and nightlife.

The night hours (12am-6am) present a different set of risks. Burglary peaks at 17%, and vehicle crime sees its highest proportion at 16%, as properties are often unattended and vehicles are parked overnight. Theft drops to 13%, but 'Other' crimes remain high at 55%. These patterns highlight the importance of securing homes and vehicles during the overnight period when residential areas are quieter.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

When considering the regional context, Bridgwater's crime rate can be compared to several nearby areas. Wembdon, for instance, exhibits a significantly lower crime rate, suggesting a generally safer environment. Compass and Chedzoy also present different crime profiles, with Compass generally being a smaller area which can lead to higher per capita rates for certain crimes if even a few incidents occur. North Petherton, another nearby settlement, also tends to have a lower overall crime rate than Bridgwater, positioning Bridgwater as an area with a comparatively higher crime incidence within its immediate vicinity. These comparisons provide valuable regional context for residents and those considering moving to or within the Bridgwater area, highlighting local variations in safety and crime patterns.

Enhancing Security in Bridgwater

With Bridgwater's property crime rate standing at 44.3 per 1,000 residents, which is notably higher than the UK average, residents should prioritise robust home security. Relying solely on traditional CCTV cameras often means you get footage of your burglary after it has happened, rather than preventing the incident. For real protection, a proactive approach is essential. AI-powered home security operating systems like scOS are designed to prevent crime before it occurs.

scOS detects threats at your property boundary using multi-camera intelligence, ensuring potential intruders are identified early. This is a significant departure from DIY systems that only notify you after the fact. The system's autonomous response, including activating lights and engaging speakers, is designed to destroy the element of surprise, a crucial factor for burglars. Given that most burglars decide within 60 seconds whether to proceed, a visible and professional-grade deterrent like scOS makes them move on. By focusing on prevention rather than just recording, scOS offers a superior level of security, particularly valuable in areas like Bridgwater where property crime is a heightened concern, helping residents to truly stop threats at their property line.